The Nicest Rejection Letter Ever

I received this letter on Friday:

Dear Dr. Hussy,

The Department of --- at --- University has now completed its selection process for our position in ---. I regret to inform you that you were not the Department's first choice for that position.

The choice of a new faculty member is always a difficult one. And the challenge is still greater when the pool of candidates includes a number of individuals who, like you, have strong records of teaching and promising new lines of research. The decision is not, therefore, a negative assessment of your training, interests, or productivity. Nor does the outcome of our present search preclude you from applying for other openings in our department, should they arise in future years.

I want to thank you for your interest in our program and for giving the department the opportunity to know you and your work. On behalf of my colleagues, I wish you well in your future academic endeavors.

Sincerely yours,

---, Chair


Wow. This is the first time a rejection letter has ever made me feel good about myself. In case you were wondering, yes, the chair is a woman. And it must pain her to reject people. I bet she's great at breaking up with people, too.